While White House and Republican speechwriters are sweating bullets over their rhetorical magnum opuses, party planners are gearing up to eat, drink and be merry in the runup to Tuesday’s State of the Union address.

Lawmakers and staffers who’ve not yet scored invites to the various media shindigs scheduled all around town on Tuesday night should know there are at least two receptions poised to take place within the Rayburn House Office Building.

The American Enterprise Institute plans to pregame from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. with light refreshments, momentarily pausing from the festivities around 6:45 p.m. to give AEI President Arthur Brooks the opportunity to deliver his own political prognostication.

“This event qualifies as a widely attended event,” the right-leaning think tank made sure to stamp across its come-one, come-all invitation in order to ensure not running afoul of ethics rules.

We’re just a hair more excited about the Jefferson Islands Club’s “oyster roast,” an annual tradition — though its website suggests the seafood-fest is typically held in the fall.

They had us at the word “oyster.” At press time it remained unclear whether the JIC gathering was a members-only soiree or open to the public, but those who wish to try their luck should swing by Rayburn 2237 from 6 to 8 p.m.